Meet The Team
Dr. Mindy Howard
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Mindy Howard has set out to passionately achieve her dream of going to space. After her 21-year career in the oil industry, working in 35 different countries as a human factors engineer, diversity & inclusiveness consultant, corporate trainer and senior leader in sustainability, health safety, and environment, Dr. Howard created the first and only mental preparedness training program for commercial astronauts, “Inner Space Training”. She has appeared on the Discovery and Travel TV Channels, and on radio both in the United States and in Europe. Dr. Howard is also a TEDx and public speaker (“Train your fear away, like an astronaut”). She is author of the book, "Blast Off! Train like an Astronaut for Success on Earth".
A word from the Founder of Cosmic Girls...
"My long-held vision of voyaging to space has taken the “scenic route”. For two decades I have held senior positions at multinational corporations, travelling to exotic international locales with my cosmic dreams ever in tow. However, my space travels will be incomplete without having contributed to that of a Cosmic Girl’s launch, on behalf of the incoming space generation and females in particular. I created this foundation with hopes of exceeding donor & benefactor expectations so as to enable more Cosmic Girls from the far corners like myself to not only flourish … but soar".
Team
Leslie Hunsel
Chief Operating Officer
Leslie is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance and healthcare. With experience in finance, specializing in calculating net asset values, Leslie has developed a keen eye for detail and financial acumen. Leslie has helped multiple startup companies thrive and grow into successful ventures. She is currently the COO for a healthcare company that she helped grow from the ground up. Known for her ability to identify and implement efficiencies that streamline operations and reduce costs, Leslie is dedicated to driving organizational success. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is passionate about promoting STEM education and leadership opportunities for girls and women. She recognizes the importance of empowering the next generation of female leaders in these fields and actively supports initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap. With a commitment to excellence and a drive for positive impact, Leslie continues to make a significant contribution to both the business world and the broader community.
Shelley McClain
Chief Technology Officer
Shelley has forged a career spanning over two decades in technology, breaking barriers and inspiring future women in the field. She has a track record of leading high-performing teams in the successful implementation of large-scale information systems, managing complex data projects, and launching new innovative products in the education and healthcare tech sectors. Inspired by family at NASA, her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut fuels her passion to mentor the next generation of female space explorers and STEM leaders.
Sofia Giussani
Chief Marketing Officer
Sofia is a distinguished marketing leader with a robust 15-year record of accomplishment that spans across continents, from Europe to Oceania and now in the US. Her expertise in direct-to-consumer marketing is complemented by a solid foundation in the fashion, luxury, and cosmetics industries. Sofia's innovative strategies have not only set her apart as a trailblazer but also earned her recognition as one of the 30 most influential people in the US in 2023. In addition to her marketing prowess, Sofia is an accomplished public speaker and author, further solidifying her status in her field.
Jack Blood
Chief Strategy Officer
Jack Blood is an accomplished business executive and management consultant, who is passionate about creating and delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to advance the New Space Economy; mentoring youth; and promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) opportunities for students. Previously, the Chief Revenue Officer of a space technology start-up company, Jack has served in various leadership positions of increasing responsibility within the aerospace & defense industry, successfully directing revenue growth initiatives, business development strategy, and key captures/pursuits, managing the optimized performance outcomes of programs, sales, and business operations. Jack currently resides on the Florida Space Coast with his wife, daughter, and their yellow Labrador Retriever.
Michael Stoltz
Fundraising Manager
Based in Chicago, Michael is a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser with over twenty years of experience supporting organizations both domestically and internationally. He is also a skilled communications professional and strategic planning consultant. With a lifelong passion for space exploration, astrobiology, and astronomy, Michael recognizes the significance of promoting STEM education to youth worldwide. For the past 15 years, Michael has served as a senior volunteer for the Mars Society, overseeing the organization's media outreach, public relations, and social media marketing efforts. While living in Israel for 14 years, he held communications roles in the Israeli Parliament and the Prime Minister's Office. Additionally, Michael contributed to global resource development initiatives for one of Israel's largest public colleges.
Meet The Team
Dr. Mindy Howard
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Mindy Howard has set out to passionately achieve her dream of going to space. After her 21-year career in the oil industry, working in 35 different countries as a human factors engineer, diversity & inclusiveness consultant, corporate trainer and senior leader in sustainability, health safety, and environment, Dr. Howard created the first and only mental preparedness training program for commercial astronauts, “Inner Space Training”. She has appeared on the Discovery and Travel TV Channels, and on radio both in the United States and in Europe. Dr. Howard is also a TEDx and public speaker (“Train your fear away, like an astronaut”). She is author of the book, "Blast Off! Train like an Astronaut for Success on Earth".
A word from the Founder of Cosmic Girls...
"My long-held vision of voyaging to space has taken the “scenic route”. For two decades I have held senior positions at multinational corporations, travelling to exotic international locales with my cosmic dreams ever in tow. However, my space travels will be incomplete without having contributed to that of a Cosmic Girl’s launch, on behalf of the incoming space generation and females in particular. I created this foundation with hopes of exceeding donor & benefactor expectations so as to enable more Cosmic Girls from the far corners like myself to not only flourish … but soar".
Team
Leslie Hunsel
Chief Operating Officer
Leslie is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance and healthcare. With experience in finance, specializing in calculating net asset values, Leslie has developed a keen eye for detail and financial acumen. Leslie has helped multiple startup companies thrive and grow into successful ventures. She is currently the COO for a healthcare company that she helped grow from the ground up. Known for her ability to identify and implement efficiencies that streamline operations and reduce costs, Leslie is dedicated to driving organizational success. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is passionate about promoting STEM education and leadership opportunities for girls and women. She recognizes the importance of empowering the next generation of female leaders in these fields and actively supports initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap. With a commitment to excellence and a drive for positive impact, Leslie continues to make a significant contribution to both the business world and the broader community.
Dr. Mariam Sabri
Grant Writer
Dr. Mariam Sabri (she/they) is a historian of astronomy as well as a science fiction writer and poet. Mariam has a PhD in History with a Designated Emphasis in Science & Technology Studies from the University of California Berkeley. She has 15 years of experience in grant writing, donor stewardship and advancement. Sabri is passionate about interdisciplinary research and teaching across STEM and the social sciences, arts and humanities.
Shelley McClain
Chief Technology Officer
Shelley has forged a career spanning over two decades in technology, breaking barriers and inspiring future women in the field. She has a track record of leading high-performing teams in the successful implementation of large-scale information systems, managing complex data projects, and launching new innovative products in the education and healthcare tech sectors. Inspired by family at NASA, her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut fuels her passion to mentor the next generation of female space explorers and STEM leaders.
Michael Stoltz
Development Manager
Based in Chicago, Michael is a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser with over twenty years of experience supporting organizations both domestically and internationally. He is also a skilled communications professional and strategic planning consultant. With a lifelong passion for space exploration, astrobiology, and astronomy, Michael recognizes the significance of promoting STEM education to youth worldwide. For the past 15 years, Michael has served as a senior volunteer for the Mars Society, overseeing the organization's media outreach, public relations, and social media marketing efforts. While living in Israel for 14 years, he held communications roles in the Israeli Parliament and the Prime Minister's Office. Additionally, Michael contributed to global resource development initiatives for one of Israel's largest public colleges.
Sofia Giussani
Chief Marketing Officer
Sofia is a distinguished marketing leader with a robust 15-year record of accomplishment that spans across continents, from Europe to Oceania and now in the US. Her expertise in direct-to-consumer marketing is complemented by a solid foundation in the fashion, luxury, and cosmetics industries. Sofia's innovative strategies have not only set her apart as a trailblazer but also earned her recognition as one of the 30 most influential people in the US in 2023. In addition to her marketing prowess, Sofia is an accomplished public speaker and author, further solidifying her status in her field.
Ryan Farmer
Marketing Manager
Ryan is a results-driven marketing and communications leader, accomplished at increasing revenue, improving messaging, and effectively communicating with stakeholders. Throughout his career, he has helped both nonprofit and for-profit companies achieve business goals by telling compelling stories that inspire people to take desired actions. He has a degree in journalism, enjoys collaborative problem solving, and tries to live his life by the quote, “be curious, not judgemental.” Fascinated by the vastness of space, coupled with being a father to a daughter (and a son), Ryan is committed to increasing access to STEM education and careers for girls and young women.
Carly Cassady
Social Media Manager
Carly Cassady is a results-oriented meteorologist with experience in broadcast journalism and corporate communications. Her specializations include marketing development and content creation to diverse audiences. The aerospace industry is a growing audience of her's from recently covering the GOES-U Satellite launch with Lockheed Martin. Previously, Carly has also covered the OSIRIS-REx capsule return and the SpaceX Crew 7 launch. Carly has a degree in meteorology and broadcast journalism from the University of Memphis, where she also played on the Women's Soccer team. Sports and science are her passions and she is driven to keep the momentum going to get more girls involved!
Jenna Wathier
Social Media Specialist
My name is Jenna Wathier and I am just entering the work-force as a 2024 graduate from McMaster University. I hold a BA in Political Science, as well as a business diploma. I’ve had a handful of jobs in the retail environment where I gained countless skills that have got me to where I am today. Fortunately for me throughout my careers, both academic and retail, I was able to build my communication skills and find my true passion, space studies! Throughout my academic career, I discovered the true passion I held for astronomy and physics. Luckily for me, I was able to enroll in a couple of these courses and explore the love I had for these subjects and put my passion to use. I quickly realized this was what I wanted to pursue. After many discussions with many different space related companies I was lucky enough to come into contact with the Cosmic Girls Foundation. Upon learning more about the company and the team, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. The idea behind the organization very much resonates with myself and my own passions. Being able to help young girls achieve their dreams is something I am now lucky enough to be a part of. I cannot wait to help this community grow and continue to assist in making young girls dreams a reality.
Dr. Deana Weibel
Space Anthropologist
Amy Imhoff
Cosmic Ambassador
Amy Imhoff is an expert in digital media, event management, and partnerships for STEAM, building her clients' digital lives. She is a featured writer, speaker, and onstage host for science fiction media, feminist pop culture, and aerospace events. Amy creates global industry connections through the legacy of Star Trek's vision of an inclusive future, working closely with Starfleet officers (most notably as Kate Mulgrew's media director), industry creatives, and change makers to uplift diverse voices. She holds her master's degree in literature, is published in five anthologies examining the impact of scifi through a feminist critical lens, and is a frequent podcast guest in the fan community. Having worked with numerous aerospace clients across government (U.S. Space Force, NASA), nonprofit (Explore Mars, Yuri's Night, NSS, AIAA), and commercial aerospace (Above Space), Amy is passionate about engaging the next generation in building an optimistic future through STEAM, activism, and workforce development. Currently, Amy is a communications consultant for Princeton University's NASA-funded interstellar mapping mission, scheduled to launch in 2025. She lives in coastal Connecticut with her husband and two silly cats. Find her on all social platforms @amyimhoff1701.
George R. Vaughan
Outreach Ambassador
George R. Vaughan is the CEO and Future Vision Strategist of The Digital Line (TDL), a company he co-founded in 2017 to drive innovation across sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and education. Known for its "Tech for Good" initiatives, TDL has worked with global leaders such as Amazon, Samsung and Mastercard to create impactful solutions that enhance both business operations and customer experiences. One of Vaughan's key achievements is the creation of audico, a voice-activated platform designed to empower care home residents through hands-free technology. Initially deployed in senior living homes operated by the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), audico has since been adapted for use in special education and hospitality settings, reflecting Vaughan’s commitment to repurposing technology for social good. Beyond his work with TDL, Vaughan is a strong advocate for gender equality in tech, actively supporting WIMENA and women in STEM fields. His career also includes leadership roles at Twickenham Stadium and Ascot Racecourse, where he implemented innovative digital solutions. An adventurer at heart, Vaughan once trekked to Everest Base Camp and played the highest-ever game of rugby to support charity causes. His work continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation with a focus on improving lives through technology.
Advisory Board
Janet Ivey
President of the Advisory Board
Creator of Janet’s Planet is committed to enriching the lives of children via education and live performances, TV, and online programming. With over 29 years in children’s entertainment and education, Janet has captivated Nashville and beyond with her work. She has received twelve Regional Emmys and five Gracie Awards, for Janet’s Planet, which airs on 140+ public television stations nationwide. Janet is a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, has won a STEM-FLORIDA Award for "Exploring Microgravity,” an educational video about gravity and microgravity that she wrote and produced for Space Florida. Janet’s Planet is a dynamic and fast-paced series geared to 7-12-year-olds and focuses on science, space, history, and health. The short-form series can be seen on public television stations nationwide as well YouTube, BatteryPop, Minnow, and HighBrow in the UK. Janet is an advocate, educator, communicator, and female role model of STEM/STEAM and is committed to sharing the joy of exploration and discovery with children around the globe. Janet’s mission is to encourage science literacy globally and particularly to embody the role of female science mentor for the next generation of women in space and science.
Nicole Stott
Astronaut
Nicole Stott is an astronaut, aquanaut, engineer, artist, and author of Back to Earth What Life In Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission To Protect It; and most importantly a mom. She creatively combines the awe and wonder of her spaceflight experience with her artwork to inspire everyone’s appreciation of our role as crewmates here on Spaceship Earth. Nicole is a veteran NASA Astronaut with two spaceflights and 104 days living and working in space as a crewmember on both the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. Personal highlights of her time in space include being the 10th woman to perform a spacewalk, first person to operate the ISS robotic arm to capture a free-flying cargo vehicle, painting the first watercolor in space (on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum), working with her international crew for the benefit of all life on Earth, and of course the life-changing view of our home planet. Nicole is also a NASA Aquanaut. In preparation for spaceflight, she was a crewmember on an 18-day saturation dive mission at the Aquarius undersea laboratory. Nicole believes that the international model of peaceful and successful cooperation we have experienced in the extreme environments of space and sea holds the key to the same kind of peaceful and successful cooperation for all of humanity here on Earth. On her post-NASA mission, she is a founding director of the Space for Art Foundation – uniting a planetary community of children through the awe and wonder of space exploration and the healing power of art.
Katya Echazarreta
Astronaut
Katya is a Mexican electrical engineer, science communicator, and Citizen Astronaut. She worked at NASA, first as an intern during her university undergraduate career, then later as a test lead for the Europa Clipper Ground Support Equipment group. She has contributed to a total of five NASA missions. Echazarreta was the co-host of Netflix's YouTube series, Netflix IRL, while pursuing a Master's degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She became the first Mexican-born woman in space as part of Space for Humanity's Citizen Astronaut Program, launched June 4, 2022. The Space For Humanity initiative selected Echazarreta out of over 7,000 applicants to fly to space with Blue Origin NS-21 as a Space for Humanity Ambassador
Eng. Mishaal Ashemimry
Advisor
Mishaal Ashemimry is a pioneering figure in the aerospace industry, being the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Her impressive career trajectory includes roles as an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, commercial pilot, and academic. As a consultant and former professor, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her current position as Managing Director of the Center for Space Futures. Notably, she is also the International Astronautical Federation Vice President for Diversity Initiatives. Ashemimry's passion for education and inspiration is evident through her involvement in conferences, webinars, and social media. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of MISHAAL Aerospace, where she focused on rocket design and satellite launch. With a strong foundation in aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing, and vehicle design, she has made significant contributions to the aerospace industry.
Glenn King
Astronaut Trainer
Glenn King is the COO and Director of the NASTAR Center, and has been conducting Commercial Space Flight Training for more than 14 years. He is an Aerospace Physiologist and Commercial Pilot. He obtained the USA’s very first FAA AST Commercial Space Flight Certification that meets the Space Flight Training requirements under 14 CFR § Part 460.5 (Issued Sept. 2012). He has personally trained all the Commercial Space Pilots, Crew and Space Flight Participants for Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Axiom Space.
Dr. Deana Weibel
Space Anthropologist
Deana L. Weibel, Ph.D., is a Professor of Anthropology at Grand Valley State University with a joint appointment in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Her research focuses on the cultural, religious, and spiritual dimensions of travel, including pilgrimage, tourism, and scientific expeditions. Weibel has conducted ethnographic fieldwork at diverse sites such as the Black Madonna shrine in Rocamadour, France; Spaceport America; and the Vatican Observatory. She is a member of the American Anthropological Association and a Fellow of the Explorers Club, serving as the chair of its Chicago/Great Lakes Chapter.
Prof. Vladimir Pletser
Astronaut Trainer
Vladimir Pletser (PhD, MSc, MEng) is currently Director of Space Training Operations at Blue Abyss, a company in UK proposing a new approach for astronaut training. He was previously Visiting Professor and Scientific Adviser from 2016 until 2018 at the Technology and Engineering Centre for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, supporting Chinese Space Station and aircraft parabolic flight microgravity experiments. Astronaut candidate for Belgium, he spent two months in training in 1995 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and was Astronaut Training Instructor for parabolic flights and Spacelab missions.
Gianna Tomiyama
Creator of art experiences that are expressed in multidisciplinary ways of art, which she produces alone or in collaboration with other artists, collectives and or organizations. Due to learnings in her life with her own identity, sexuality, mental health/self development, culture(s), equality, creative expression and death - especially in these fields she is eager to find where friction can be explored and share this with others. This in a safe space intended to let this friction, the joy, the awkwardness, the unseen parts of yourself, your source, the true authentic you come together and evoke transformational awe through art. Experiences that she materializes are in the form of an exhibition, a ritual, installation, performance, 2D format or immersive show and have taken place at numerous festivals and events internationally.
Frank White
Frank White is an educator, space philosopher, and communications consultant. He has authored or coauthored numerous books on topics ranging from space exploration to artificial intelligence to Zen Buddhism. His best-known work is The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution. https://www.humanspaceprogram.org
Dr. Tim Schlange
International Business Advisor
Tim is a seasoned senior business advisor for international businesses. C-level leadership responsibilities with international companies, founded upon engineering and management degrees Tim´s focus is the commercialization of innovation, particularly in the global life sciences and material sciences industries.
Michael Termini
Business Advisor
With 20+ years of non-profit leadership experience, Michael is the Chief of Staff at the American Society of International Law on Embassy Row in Washington, DC. A member of the peak global body for Chiefs of Staff, published author, and mentor, Michael has guided a wide range of non-profits. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law and International Relations from Kent Law School in England, an Executive Leadership certification from Cornell University, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from the Six Sigma Global Institute, and certifications in Strategic Organizational Leadership and Conflict Management from the Management and Strategy Institute. A space enthusiast and father of two little girls -- one of whom dreams of becoming an astronaut -- Michael is passionate about the Cosmic Girls mission.
Dr. Yarin Eski
Space Criminologist
Dr Yarin Eski is an associate professor in public administration and a criminologist who does research on maritime (port) security and policing, arms dealing, genocide and pioneers in the realm of space criminology. Through ‘realistic speculation’ that is based on, amongst other methods, sci-prototyping, virtual reality and studying analogue astronaut mission, he wants to unravel space crime and its control: from illicit activities in orbital habitats to the intricacies of jurisdiction beyond planetary boundaries, he has a certain vision for a future where space exploration and inhabitation develops itself in tandem with a viable, holistic space criminal justice system to ensure a safe and secure domain that complies with an inclusive and democratic Rule of Law.
Deborah Stern
Deborah Stern, PhD., is a long-time educator with extensive experience working in underserved communities. She specializes in school design and curriculum, focusing on experiential education. She is an award-winning teacher, school leader, and author of numerous publications. Dr. Stern believes that true learning happens when learners see themselves, their interests, and their experiences reflected in their studies.
Vered Cohen Barlizay
Vered Cohen Barzilay is the founder and CEO of Out of the Box Aerospace — a social enterprise that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in aerospace worldwide. A passionate advocate for aviation, space, STEAM education, and gender equality, Cohen Barzilay has made significant strides in these fields. Cohen Barzilay has been serving as a mentor for UNOOSA's Space4Women initiative since 2020 and has been a mentor at the Starburst IAI space accelerator since its inception. In 2020, the U.S. Department of State recognized Cohen-Barzilay in their 80 #FacesofExchange initiative, alongside Margaret Thatcher, Jacinda Ardern and Anwar El-Sadat.
Priya Abiram
Priya is an aspiring astronaut and entrepreneur pursuing Aerospace Engineering at Cornell Engineering. She is a Congressional Award Gold Medalist, an internationally awarded innovator, and a published researcher. She is a Citizen Science Astronaut Trainee at the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences trained in spacesuit evaluation, acrobatic flying, and designed and flew payloads on microgravity research flight.
Jeska Clark
Jeska Clark is a consultant, scientist, and explorer with an MA in Human Systems Engineering from Arizona State University. She specializes in human factors in extreme environments, from the sea to microgravity environments. Her career has centered on optimizing human performance and safety in these challenging conditions, contributing significantly to the field.
Melodie Yashar
Melodie Yashar is a space architect, technologist, and researcher. She is the VP of Building Design & Performance at ICON, a construction technologies company focused on large scale additive manufacturing for Earth and in space.
Annika Versloot-van der Velden
President
Annika Versloot-van der Velden brings a wealth of experience as a board member and chair in various industries, including education. As President of the Cosmic Girls Foundation, she leverages her extensive expertise in External Affairs and Public Relations to empower girls worldwide to pursue careers in STEM fields. As Manager Corporate Public Affairs at a large multinational and a member of SER Topvrouwen, Annika is dedicated to providing education and mentorship opportunities to girls from diverse and economically vulnerable backgrounds while advancing the foundation's unique value proposition in the ever-expanding space industry.
Eric Noordegraaf
Treasurer
CEO of successful international sports coaching business for over 20 years. Olympic-level water polo athlete, trainer and coach with innate drive to motivate high-potential teams and individuals to excel. Sports entrepreneur and businessman.
Lindsay Uittenbogaard
Secretary
CEO and Founder of Mirror Mirror helping teams and organizations with alignment for performance around the world. Lindsay is a thought-leader and speaker on alignment.